Learn Skills From People Who've Been Dab Hands For Decades

By Sponsor Last edited 106 months ago
Learn Skills From People Who've Been Dab Hands For Decades

This is a sponsored article on behalf of Royal Voluntary Service.

Picture by Sam Bagnall
Picture by Sam Bagnall
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Learn the art of wood turning, preserve making and home brewing, directly from people who've been honing their skills for decades. GrandFest — the one-day, totally free event organised by older people’s charity, Royal Voluntary Service — is happening on 13 June, and is a great place to pick up a new skill or two.

Hoxton Square form the heart of the festival; there are food and drink stalls, a pop-up shop and performances throughout the day. Beyond the square, a variety of masterclasses are taking place, passing on skills from older people to new generations, and getting visitors stuck into fun, creative activities.

All masterclasses are run by volunteers aged over 70, who are actively involved in the charity. All of them are free, donations to Royal Voluntary Service are welcome. Make sure you book your place now:

  • Soft Furnishing: Learn how to make decorative home furnishings like Maureen's cushions (she's been sewing for 55 years). Takes place at Geffrye Museum, 11am/1pm/4pm
  • Bread Making: Homemade bread always tastes better. Learn the art of bread making with just six ingredients, from Clive, whose family has been in the business since the 1800s. Takes place at Pitfield Café, 11am/3pm/5pm
  • Crocheting: Celia is 71, and learned to crochet on her grandmother's knees. She will teach you the basic stitches, so you can get started on your own projects. Takes place at Paper Dress Vintage, 11.30am/1.30pm/3.30pm
  • Wood Turning: Try your hands at the ancient art of wood turning; Arthur started practising after he retired and is now a dab hand, proving it's never too late to take on a new hobby. Takes place at Geffrye Museum, 12pm/3pm/5pm
  • Preserve Making: Join this delicious masterclass and learn how to make lemon curd from fresh, natural ingredients. Masterclass leader Rae learned all the secrets from her mother. Takes place at Jones Family Project, 2pm/3pm/4pm
  • Home Brewing: George started home brewing in the 1970s and has never looked back. Find out what he thinks makes the perfect ale. Takes place at The Barley Mow, 2.30pm/3.30pm/4.30pm
  • Flower Arranging: Learn how to make your home more colourful and scented with a nice flower composition from Jean, who's 81 years young. Takes place at Summer With Monika, 12.30pm/2.30pm/4.30pm
  • Sequence Dancing: It's time for a waltz! Long-time dancer Shirley will teach you a timeless dance sequence. Takes place at ISTD2 Dance Studio, 2pm/3pm/4pm

GrandFest 2015 takes place on 13 June 11am-6pm in various venues across Hoxton Square, London N1. Check full programme and book free masterclasses here. The event is free and open to all, donations are welcome.

Last Updated 28 May 2015